Download Questions Packet for 2:3.

2:3 The Critical Period - p. 48-51
2:3 RQP
Name: ________________________
Read p. 48-51 to this packet.
Objectives: (You should be able to...)
!
Describe the structure of the government set up under the Articles of
Confederation.
!
Explain why the weaknesses of the Articles led to the critical period for the
country in the 1780s.
!
Describe how a growing need for a stronger national government led to plans for
a Constitutional Convention.
Facts/In Brief:
"
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation to
establish a more lasting form of government.
"
Under the Articles, each State had one vote in Congress; no executive or judicial
branches existed.
"
Congress did not have power to tax, regulate commerce, or make the States
obey the Articles.
"
The Articles’ weaknesses led to bickering among the States.
"
The chaos of the critical period led to a movement for a change toward, the
growing need to have, a more powerful central (National) government led to
plans for a Constitutional Convention, which took place in May 1787.
Enduring Understandings:
i
The Articles of Confederation set up a central government that was too weak to
solve the nation’s problems.
i
The chaos of the 1780s led to a movement favoring a more powerful central
government.
Matching Terms: Match the term on the left with its definition/description on the right.
____ 1- ARSENAL
A.
____ 2- ARTICLES OF
CONFEDERATION
____ 3- JURISDICTION
B.
____ 4- PRESIDING OFFICER
____ 5- RATIFICATION
C.
D.
E.
Plan of government adopted by the
Continental Congress after the
American Revolution; Established “a
firm league of friendship” among the
States, but allowed few important
powers to the central government.
Formal approval, final consent to the
effectiveness of a constitution,
constitutional amendment, or treaty.
Legal authority.
The chair of a meeting.
A store of arms or military equipment.
Section Guiding Question:
What weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation made a lasting government
impossible?
As you read, gather information to help you answer the guiding question by
completing the outline below:
I.
Articles of Confederation
A. Weaknesses
1.
_____________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________
B. Effects of the Weaknesses
1. ________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2.
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
1-
3.
_____________________________________________________
4.
_____________________________________________________
What was the goal of the Articles of Confederation?
2-
What powers did Congress hold under the Articles of Confederation?
A)
F)
B)
G)
C)
H)
D)
I)
E)
J)
3-
Describe Congress under the Articles by answering the following: a) Was
Congress unicameral or bicameral? b) How were representatives chose to serve
in Congress?
4-
What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? (See p. 49.)
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
F)
G)
H)
Only a “firm league of friendship” among the States.
5-
Why, for what reason(s), is the period during which the Articles were in force
classed th Critical Period in American history?
6-
Washington was referring to foreign affairs when he complained, “We are one
nation today and 13 tomorrow. Who will treat us on such terms?”
a)
What did Washington fear would happen?
b)
Do you agree with his point of view? Why or why not?